Suu Kyi hails 'victory of the people'

Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi hailed a ""victory of the people" after her National League for Democracy (NLD) party declared she had won a seat in parliament for the first time.

Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi hailed a "victory of the people" after her National League for Democracy (NLD) party declared she had won a seat in parliament for the first time. "It's usual that NLD members and supporters are happy at this moment," she said in a statement.

"But words, behaviour and actions that can harm and sadden other parties and people must be avoided completely. I would like all NLD members to ensure that the victory of the people is a dignified victory," she added.

If confirmed, the win would mark a dramatic reversal in the political fortunes of the veteran activist, who was locked up by the former junta for most of the past 22 years. Official results were expected within a week.

Observers says Myanmar's quasi-civilian government needs Suu Kyi to take a place in parliament to bolster the legitimacy of its political system & spur an easing of Western sanctions against the regime.

But even if her party were to win all 44 seats it contested in Sunday's by-elections, it would not tip the balance of power in a parliament dominated by the military and its political allies.